Water hoist



April 1, 1930. T. c. SPELLING WATER HOIST 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec. l2l 1928 April l, 1930. T. c. SPELLING WATER HOIST '3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. l2, 1928 April 1, 1930. T.IC. sPELLrN-G 1,753,163

WATER HOIST Filed nec. 12; 1928 s sheets-sheet 5 Patented Apr. 1, 1930 UNrrED STATES THOMAS C. SPELLING,

oF NEW vom; iv. Y.

WATER HOIST Application led December 12, 1928.` SeralviNoi 325,622.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in water hoists, and deals particularly with a device for hoisting from a lower to a higher level large quantities of Water, for storage, or to furnish a constant supply, valuable phases or elements of the mechanism being the provision of means for emptying containers of water or other liquids of their contents during continuous forward movement of the containers.

As pointing to the utility 'oi' theinvention, attention is called to the fact that there is general interest in and discussion of uses for water, including household, municipal, irri- 5 gation, stock-watering and mining uses, and

especiallypfor generatingpoweig suc-h uses together with the advantages inherentwill be in part obvious, and in part specifically referred to in the course of the following description of the elements, combinations, ar-y rangements of parts and application of principles constituting the invention; and the scope of protection contemplated will appear from the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, similar letters of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views, in which:

Figure 1 is a general elevation ofthe framework of the.Y hoist minus a superstructural guiding frame, an illustration of whichl is not necessary for present purposes, some of the operative and stationary parts being shown 40 fragmenta'rily.

Figure 2 isa perspective View of a container vand some of its equipment.

Figure 3 is a plan View of thel interior of the nether side of a container.

Figure 4 is a frontal view of a container.

Figure 5 is a sectional view, exhibiting the elliptical rubber rollers and other parts in place.

Figure 6 exhibits a segment of a side of a container and one of the pivoted catches in position to be engagedby the end of a crossbar; also a disel'igaging member.

Figure 7 is an end view of one of the pivoted catches. f

h.Fgure 8 is a perspective view of the water- 55 s 1e Y t Figure 9 exhibits one of the pivoted catches 1n engagement with an end of the cross-bar. Figure 10 exhibits I one -of the pivoted catches in disengagement upon being struck by a disengaging member.

Figure 11 shows an improved vform of a link of the chain.

- Figure 12 shows an angle bar support for the stationary disengaging'members. 65

Figure 13 showspthe positions of the stationary members relative to the path of the carriers.'

Figure 14 isa perspective view'of a sta tionary member whose support is here shown broken o'f.

Figure 15 exhibits'a tapered bar attached to the carrier; also the arm of the stationary membenin position tobe slid on the tapered ligar to engagement with the end of the cross- Figure 16 shows the position of the arm ,at the point of its disengagement.

Figure 17 is a fragmentary-sectional 'view ofthe alternative form of the door actuating means, showing the stationary arm, in dotted outline, riding on the tapered bar and in" end lgont'act with the projecting end ofthe' cross` ar. s'

Figure 18 is a similar view but'illustrating S5 the respective positions of the tapered bar, the bevelled `face and the projecting endpof the cross-bar.

Figure 19 illustrates the position of the horizontal arm after its disengagement from the protrudingend of the'cross-bar. I

For abetter understanding, I begin with a comprehensive description of certain essential parts, without specific reference to the drawin-gs or reference numerals. The power is applied to an endless iia-t linked chain and will move it up on one side and down the other, and` around an endless sextangular frame. To the chain are attached containers for water-possibly for other liquids-and these are carried, each in succession upward drawn through the water and around the lower end ofthe frame, shown in the drawing in submergence, and filled. Continuing the forward movement, 1t 1s again drawn upward. Stationary rollers are placed at points shown in the drawings on the lower terminals of the frame. These rollers are axled into the frame and may be formed of iron, steel, wood, lo1' other hard substance. Each roller is formed with a level portion between flanges, one flange at each outer edge. -Between the vflanges is a band which may beof vulcanized rubber or other pliable material extended around the roller, to accommodate slight con- V tractions or extensions of the chain due to variations vin 'te1nperature. The toothed wheels shown in the upper angles function, not only as parts of the operating mechanism, but also serve as rollers as effectively as do the rollers in the nether angles.

The major problem being the emptying 0f the container, 11, into ythe water basin 33, without halting the former in its forward progress, without tipping or upsetting it and without imparting to the structure and running gear a shock, and with a minimum of friction, that end is attained by use of the elements and parts now described as follows,

The container, 11, having the general form seen in Figure 2, has formed in its lower side the outlet opening, 15, which extends from near the frontal wall, 4l, back slightly less than half Way to the rear wall, a narrow marginv being left integral on the right, left and frontal sides of the opening, as seen in Figure 2, but more clearly in Figure 3. As a closure for this opening, the sliding door, 16, is provided. It will be seen in Figures 2 and 3 to overlap when at rest portions of the. margins of the opening left integral on the two sides, and to extend slightly bevond the margin of the area of the bottom of the container left integral back of the opening, but to cover the entire frontal margin. y

The sliding door, 16, is preferably a thin metal sheet, which should be copper-alle ved or otherwise suitably treated for preservation from rust, (as should be all metallic parts).

The means for sliding the door back, upon the container reaching the point in its progress at which the content ofthe container is to be emptied into the basin, 33, as shown in Figure 1, comprise, in part, the cross-bar, 17, to whose lower side is secured, through the apertures, 30, the sliding door. The ends, 26, of the cross-bar, 17, are seen to protrude 4through the horizontal slots, 18. Since the cross-bar is to have movement in the slots from end to end thereof, therefore t0 prevent leakage during said movement, the rubber flaps, 19, are attached to the interior of the container, as shown in Figure 2, one at each sid'e. And since the presence of the crosshar at rest would otherwise prevent a perfect closure of the flaps, the recesses, 31, are made therein to accommodate the presence of the bar; and to prevent leakage around the ends of the bar, the circular collars, 20, are placed around protruding ends thereof.

For the sliding back of the door, 16, and the cross-bar, 17, upon arrival of the container at the horizontal portion of the frame of the structure, the stationary pivoted catches, 24, are erected upon the angle-bar support shown in Figure l2 which is attached to the frame of the structure, shown in Figure 1, one catch on each side of the path of the container, exactly opposite each other. The support is the same for both forms of stationary engaging and disengaging mechanism, hereinafter more definitely described, it being only once illustrated; that is in Figure 12. Confining present description to one only ofthe catches, it rests on the spring, 25, and its rebound upon release is checked and limited by the small check-bar, 43. Until in forward progress of the container, the protruding end, 26, of the cross-bar, 17, reaches, it, the catch rests on spring, 25.

Vhen the catch contacts with said end when in forward movement of the container the bevelled face, 29, attached to the container hy plates, 28, is reached, then the bevelled face is enga-ged by a diminutive wall, 27, the same being an integral part of the catch member. Such engagement releases by forcing downward on the yielding spring the engaging part of the catch. The wall portion is positioned beyond and slightly to the left of the engaging and releasing portion of the catch, as seen in the Figures 6, 7 and 8, so that, after striking, the bevelled face member passes without coming in contact with it.

For the purpose of restoring the cross-bar and sliding door to the positions from which they were moved by the halting and releasing means just described the Hat sized 'zigzag or coiled springs, 21, oneon each side, with one end attached through the nether side of the container at 32, are attached by the other end to the cross-bar just beyond the interior corners 0f the sliding door. The spring members rest each on its edge along the interior surface of the integralmargin of the nether side of the container outside the edges of the sliding door, 16, and behind the rollers, 23. As the cross-bar is drawn back by the coaction just described of the parts outside the container, the spring is stretchedto the extent of movement backward of the cross-bar; and when the pivoted catch, 24, is disengaged by the bevelled face, 29, the .springs react to their former condition and position, drawing uname four rollers, 23, are provided, two on each side, in contact, with slight pressure, on the sliding door. These are preferably made of rubberor other pliable material, and are each pivoted on an elbowed support, 22, whlch is extended through the nether side of the carrier, and is bradded or screw-capped outside.l

Another function of the rollers is to retard movement back to former position -of the sliding door, thus postponing closure and allowing more time for running out of the liquid.

the source of its supply, under and about the,

lower end of the structure as seen in Figure 1. The integral portion, 41, and the valvular member combined will check and prevent the premature outflow, of lquidas the container approaches the basin, 33. The valvular member consists of a flap of thin resilient metal, or other flexible substance, having sulicient resistant strength to prevent the outliow ot' liquid, but susceptible of being` forced outward by any pocket of air which may be present, and to yield to force exerted b v act-ion of the iniiowing stream.` Thus shocks and resultant strain on the ruiming gear of the device, when Contact between the mouth ot' the container and the source of liquid supply occurs, will be avoided. To the lower of the integral marginsleft on all sides of opening` 12, is attached, interiorly, the valvular flap, 53, similar in flexibility and resisting strength to flap, 14'. It ields to the inflow ot' liquid in l process of su mergence but obstructs -outflow therefrom. l

The purpose for which the provision of alternative means for shifting the cross-barv used. In such case there is only a negligible variation from steady level advance of the container, and dependence may be placed` upon uniform and-effective engagement of the pivoted catch with the end of the crossbar, even without use of the superstructural guiding means.` But Where a container of relatively large capacity, hence increased width, is used even in connection with a superstructuralguide thereon, or end st eadying bar, and relatively wide linked chain, there will be irregularity of motion sidereally as well as vertically, sometimes designated as wobbling. Therefore` for clear reasons, the alternative means afford a wider range of adaptation for accomplishing the end in view, where larger forms of containers are used. i

In functioning for the purpose in View, the arms, 34, of the stationary member, one on each side, of the alternativemeans must be positioned exactly opposite each other, and with sutlicient precision relative to the tapered bar, 35, upon which, by the forward movement of the carrier, it is slid, to Contact with the end, 36, of the cross-bar. This member must he of resilient metal. The horizontal arm is thin enough near its connected support to yield vertically, but so broadfthat it will be rigid laterally. Said tapered bar is suitably supported on the container, as seen in .Figures 15 and 16, its horizontal portion is positioned evenly with the nether side of the end, 26, of the cross-bar. The end, 36, of the tapered bar,'35,A is reached by the stationary arm rsimultaneously with the striking of the arm, 34, againstA the bevelled face, 38. In

the alternative means, the bevelled face must be positioned outside the track of the end. of

the cross-bar, otherwise itwould be struck by ,the latter and would'not. effect disengagement vdownwardly,as seen in Figure 18. The posi-Y tion of armv 34, after its contact with the bevelled face is that shown at the reference numeral 38, and is such that, upon arrival of anothercontainer, its performance isrepeated. In functioning it is vslid upward to where the end, 26, of the cross-bar strikes it, at the beginning of the horizontal face of the ta- )ercd bar. .The cross-bar having been held by 1t until the bevelled face is reached, the latter disengages it, freeing the crossbar to be pulled back to original position by reaction of the springs, 21. In such functioning the resilient neck, 39, of the arm is actuated. If the mechanism be of such form or dimension as to require a superstructural guide, it may be supported on the frame and extended around the frame. Axles may extend through the upper portion of each container, theaxles carrying rollers on the ends into a groove or trench attached to vertical supports. But, ordinarily, no v superstructural guide will be needed. The chain, as emplaced and operated on the rubber tires before inentioned, is taut; the links of the chain will be wide and flat. Each container is supported on and attached to the chain, at each end of the container by a bifurcated leg,each prong suitably attached to a side of a link of the chain; so that it would require a considerable shock to carry the centre of gravity outside the chain far enough and for duration of time suiicient to cause an upsetting of a container.

. applicant is familiar, the power is applied either at'the apex or at-the base of the structure, and to a single Wheel. That throws an undue strain on that side of the frame on which the lilled containers are moved. Here two tooth wheels are provided, one on each side, turned in the same direction, distributing the strain. Here, the tooth wheels, 44, are each axled on a common axle with a la1'ger wheel, 45, and positioned in a Side angle of the frame. The larger wheel to which the chain pulley, 46,` is applied is posi tioned outside the frame. rl`he actuating means to which power is applied is here the chain pulley, 46. The angles are all obtuse, as shown in Figure l; that is to say, they are rounded to allow passages, without contact, of the containers. Also to facilitate unobstructed movement of the containers, two other obtuse angles, 54 and 55 are formed in the apex, and under the chain in each are positioned and axled in the frame tne Ismall rollers, 56 and 57.

T o prevent saturation of the fralne by the outflow of liquid from the container, as well as splashing and spraying, the waterfshield shown perspectively in Figure 8 is provided. It is formed with the two wings, 49, slanted obliquely downward. At the juncture of the two wings is the acutely formed apex, 50. The lateral margins are turned up, at 51, to prevent the liquid spilling over the margins on the frame. In place, it is secured to the nether side of the container, the acute apex, 50, extended centrally under the opening, 15. The watershield is secured to the container through the apertures,-52, one end immediately at the juncture of the integral portion of the front, 41, the-other end just back of the sliding -door, 1G, as the latter is positioned at rest, the apertures being shown in Figure 8. A sectional view of the .two wings in position may be seenin the sectional Figure 5, and a frontal view in Figure 4.

T he middle portion of the frame is here shown broken out at 47; also the supporting structure for the frame is absent. It is vnot believed that it can possess anyvpatentable novelty, and its description and illustration would merely cause confusion, increasing the field of discussion and illustration. Anyhow, the main structural support extends into the earth or other sub-support, beneath the liquid supply. The basin, 33, is supported on the broken off member, 48, which, in turn, is supported on the main support of the structure in place. Obviously, where water is to be hoisted out of a canyon or subterranean supply, the structure may be suspended from a ridge or other upper support.

After what precedes, nothing further need be Said as to the operation of the improved device. The purposes of the interior formations of the chain links, and of positions of the toothed wheels have already been herein stated.

What I desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In an apparatus of the character dcscribed, the combination with a container having horizontal slots in the sides thereof and an open bottom portion, of a sliding door for the bottom portion, and means for operating the sliding door through the slots in the sides of the container including pivoted catches nearl the path of movement of the container, substantially as and for the purpose described. i y

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container having horizontal slots in the sides thereof and an open bottom portion, of a sliding door for the bottom portion, and means for operating the sliding door comprising bar extensions attached to the sliding door and projecting through the slotted sides, and pivoted catches normally in the path of movement of the bar extensions, substantially as and for the purpose described. 3. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container having an opening in its lower portion, a door operatively associated with said opening` a spring pressed pivoted catch near the path of movement of the container adapted to engage and operate the door, and a beveled face member on the container positioned to engage a part of the catch to release the same, substantially as and for the purpostl described.

4. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a container having an opening, a door therefor, a spring pressed catch for operating the door, a check for preventing overthrow of the catch when not engaging the door, and means on the container for releasing the catch from operative engagement with the door, substantially as and for the purpose described.

5.V In an apparatus of the character described,` the combination with a container having an opening, of a sliding door therefor arranged within the container, a cross bar attached to the sliding door, oppositely positioned pivoted catches for engaging the cross bar to operate the door, and a beveled faced member on the container for disengaging the pivoted catches from the cross bar,

substantially as and for the purpose described.

6. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination With a container having slotted sides and a bottom opening, of a sliding door for the latter arranged within the container and having bar extensions passing through the slotted sides, catches for engaging the bar extensions to operate the door in one direction, and coil resilient members attached interiorly to the container and to the bar extensions for moving the door in an opposite direction, substantially as and for the purpose described.

7. In an apparatus o f the character described, a liquid container formed with a cutout portion at one end providing an upper relatively projecting end portion, an intermediate portion receding inwardly, and a lower portion, said upwardly projecting and lower ortions having openings therein, an inwardlly opening iiap valve associated with the opening in the upper portion, and an outwardly opening flap valve associated with the opening 1n the lower portion, substantially as and for the purpose described.

8. In a machine of the character described, a container for liquids, the forward end of the container being formed with relatively upper and lower openings, and flexible flap valves for said openings, one arrangedl to open inwardly and the other outwardly, substantially as and for the purpose described.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, a container for liquids having an outlet opening and slotted walls, a door for said outlet opening having parts movable in the slotted walls, and means for sealing the slotted portions as the door moves comprising flexible flaps engageable with the parts moving in the slotted walls and closing the slots, substantially as and for the purpose described.

10. In an apparatus of the character de# outlet o ening and slotted walls, a door for said out et opening having parts movable in the slotted walls, and sealing means comprising flexible flaps engageable with the parts moving in the slotted walls and closing the slots, and collars positioned around the protruding portions of the parts moving in the slotted walls, substantially as and for the purpose described.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, a container for liquids having an outlet, a door for said outlet, means whereby the door may be opened, means for closing the door, and means for substantially retarding the movement of the door in its closing operation, substantially as and for the purpose described.

12. In an apparatus of the lcharacter described, a container for liquids having an outlet, a door for said outlet; a spring for closing the door, means for opening the door, and pressure rollers yieldably engaging the door to retard the movement of the door in its closing operation, substantially as and for the purpose described. y

13. In an apparatus of the character described, a container having an openvdischarge portion, and means for dividing the discharge into two streams comprising a member centrally positioned with reference to the discharge and having oppositely arranged down,- wardly slanting wings, said wings being flanged at their ends, substantially as and for the pupose described.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, a container, conveyor chain therefor, and means for operating the chain including a toothed wheel, said chain comprising links formed with longitudinally converging inwardly disposed edge portions whereby the links will engage centrally and near one end thereof the teeth of the toothed wheel.

THOMAS C. SPELLING. 

